US: Two-Thirds in Senate Back Landmine Ban
(Washington, DC) – A letter from 68 Senators to President Barack Obama expressing strong support for a ban on antipersonnel mines should spur the administration to decide to join the Mine Ban Treaty this year, Human Rights Watch said. The letter, mad…Continue Reading
US: Child Farmworkers’ Dangerous Lives
Tweet Widget
Facebook Like
The United States is failing to protect hundreds of thousands of children engaged in often grueling and dangerous farmwork. Human Rights Watch called on Congress to amend federal law tha…Continue Reading
Somalia’s Saviors Are Making Everything Worse
As with most mortar attacks in Somalia, the shelling that turned 14-year-old Abdi into a war orphan struck without warning. Returning from school one day in the shattered capital of Mogadishu, the boy found his house blasted to bits and his parents dea…Continue Reading
Child Labor and Our Groceries
When grocery shopping for my children, I often ask myself, "Is this cereal healthy?" or "Are these carrots organic?" But until recently, I never thought to ask, "Did a 12-year old pick these strawberries?"
read moreContinue Reading
Belgium: Muslim Veil Ban Would Violate Rights
(Brussels, April 21, 2010) – The Belgian Parliament should vote down a bill that would criminalize wearing the full Muslim veil in all public places in Belgium, Human Rights Watch said today. The lower chamber of Parliament is expected to debate the bi…Continue Reading
Indonesia: Court Ruling a Setback for Religious Freedom
(Jakarta) – Indonesia’s Constitutional Court dealt a severe blow to religious freedom by upholding a controversial law prohibiting "blasphemy," Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch urged the Indonesian government to revoke this a…Continue Reading
Somalia Slides
The Somali war widow shuddered as she recounted how al-Shabaab insurgents jailed her for a week and whipped her 185 times, doling out lashes during prayer calls. She received this punishment for selling cups of tea.
read moreContinue Reading
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Metes Out Repression in the South
The Islamist armed group al-Shabaab is subjecting inhabitants of southern Somalia to killings, cruel punishments, and repressive social control. Al-Shabaab, the Transitional Federal Government, and African Union f…Continue Reading
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Metes Out Repression in the South
The Islamist armed group al-Shabaab is subjecting inhabitants of southern Somalia to killings, cruel punishments, and repressive social control. Al-Shabaab, the Transitional Federal Government, and African Union f…Continue Reading
Harsh War, Harsh Peace
This 62-page report finds that al-Shabaab forces have brought greater stability to many areas in southern Somalia, but at a high cost for the local population – especially women. Based on over 70 interviews with victims and witnesses, the report descri…Continue Reading
Cluster Munition Information Chart
Human Rights Watch has updated its Cluster Munition Information Chart. The chart shows which states have stockpiled, produced, used, and been affected by cluster munitions and which states have signed and ratified the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitio…Continue Reading
Russia: Nothing Can Justify Moscow Metro Bombings
The attacks on the Moscow metro this morning represent an assault on the fundamental principle of respect for civilian life, and those responsible for this crime need to be found and held accountable.
…Continue Reading
Russia: Nothing Can Justify Moscow Metro Bombings
The attacks on the Moscow metro this morning represent an assault on the fundamental principle of respect for civilian life, and those responsible for this crime need to be found and held accountable.
…Continue Reading
Saudi Arabia: Free Advocate for Shia Rights
(New York) – Saudi Arabia’s domestic intelligence service should immediately release Munir Jassas, an advocate for Shia rights, who has been detained without charge for over five months, Human Rights Watch said today.
read moreContinue Reading
African Al Qaeda Should Stop Targeting Civilians
(Dakar) – Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has in recent months stepped up targeting tourists and aid workers for murder and kidnapping in Mali, Niger, and Mauritania, Human Rights Watch said today. AQIM should immediately and unconditionally fr…Continue Reading